Childminder in Derbyshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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207848 Unique Reference Number 08 March 2007 Inspection date Yvonne Layton Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality of childcare and, if applicable, of nursery education. The inspection was carried out under Part XA Children Act 1989 as introduced by the Care Standards Act 2000 and, where nursery education is provided, under Schedule 26 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004; the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding; and, where nursery education is provided, the Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage. The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration or 1 April 2004 whichever is the later.

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

For more information about early years inspections, please see the booklet Are you ready for your inspection? which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 1986 and lives with her family. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding five children under five and four children over five. Placements are varied. The childminder also cares for children over the age of eight years. She takes and collects children from local schools, attends the local children's groups and undertakes outings. The family has a dog and three cats.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder holds a childcare qualification.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is effectively protected by the childminder's positive hygiene practices and procedures. She has rigorous cleaning routines in the home to protect the children in her care. Procedures include effective, established systems for maintaining good hygiene and safety in relation to the family pets.

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Helping children to be healthy

The strong adult support and guidance helps children gain a clear understanding of hygiene and desire to become increasingly independent. They are learning from an early age the importance of good hygiene through the childminder's consistent routines that are part of everyday practice. Children are supported to independently wash their hands and they are appropriately involved in cleaning routines, such as washing outdoor toys and wiping the table. They learn about personal care through discussion about the importance of good hygiene to prevent illness.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's personal care needs are sensitively met including individual care bags. Their health is protected as all required medication and accident documentation is in place and maintained. The required documentation is well-supported by detailed health and safety policies which are accessible to parents. Documentation includes procedures for an emergency situation ensuring children are protected.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have their dietary needs met because the childminder works well with parents, including ongoing discussions about individual needs. They are developing a positive attitude to healthy eating because the childminder offers them a varied diet including fresh fruit, pasta, vegetables and yogurt. They go shopping with the childminder to select foods for meals and snacks. Items are discussed, including where food comes from.

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Helping children to be healthy

Daily indoor and outdoor experiences develop children's physical control. They are able to progress in their skills by the childminder supporting and meeting individual needs to enable them to learn about themselves and their bodies through activities. A varied range of outdoor equipment which provides appropriate challenges is available. Outings enhance children's physical well-being with daily walks, visits to the park, local groups and activity centres where they are able to run, balance and climb.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The premises are warm, welcoming and in a good state of repair. Children benefit from the available space being well planned. This includes allocated space for older children with a good range of freely available resources and room to relax. All children use a wide range of quality equipment which is safe and hygienic and appropriate to their age and stage of development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has safety equipment and detailed procedures in place which are shared with the parents, to ensure children’s welfare is safeguarded and promoted. The risk of accidental

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 injury is minimised because the childminder is extremely vigilant to reducing potential hazards both in the home and on outings. She maintains an ongoing risk assessment and continually evaluates her procedures to meet the needs of children cared for. There are robust safety procedures to ensure children are kept safe on outings. There are clear, consistent routines for road safety and for children being transported in the car. Safety equipment is in place, such as a safety gate, fireguard and plug covers. However, the bolt on the bathroom door is easily accessible to young children therefore children's safety is potentially compromised.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Fire evacuation procedures, fire drill practises and subsequent evaluations ensure children develop an understanding of the need for fire safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded by the childminder who has a clear understanding of her role and responsibilities for child protection. This is supported by her child protection policy, which is shared with the parents, and by the childminder's commitment to ensure she is pro-active in gaining up to date information.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, eager to participate and relish their time in a setting which puts them first. They achieve well because the childminder is skilled and uses her good knowledge of children's development and promotes learning through play to provide quality care and education. Everyday activities are used to promote learning including visits to the supermarket where mathematical concepts and colour are explored. All children have access to activities such as baking and creative, including toddlers. Activities are adapted to ensure each child gains from the experience.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's creativity is positively enhanced as they have the opportunity to experiment and develop their own play. They have planned and made miniature goalposts and binoculars from junk boxes and developed a 'restaurant' supported by the childminder with equipment and resources. Children's individual interests are positively acted upon, for example children's involvement in football at school has been enhanced by the childminder encouraging them with books and leaflets.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The daily routine includes times to be active and quiet, including a planned story session and outings. Children are developing a love of books both from the routine storytime and by the childminder responding to their requests for stories.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

After school care and older children have access to a separated area in the main room which is for their use only. Within this area children have access to a wide selection of age-appropriate books, board games, creative activities and electronic games.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children become confident and self-assured, working and playing effectively on their own, with others or with the childminder. Close and caring relationships with the childminder increase children's sense of trust and help them develop a strong sense of self.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has a good awareness of children's individual needs and they are respected as individuals. Their ideas and choices are valued. Equipment and resources meet the needs of individual children and there are a variety of resources that reflect diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Although there are no children currently attending the setting who have special needs a policy is in place regarding children with learning disabilities or difficulties which details how the service will be provided to children. This is supported by the childminder's clear understanding of providing care which includes them in the life of the setting through discussing their needs with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the sensitive manner adopted by the childminder to manage children’s behaviour. They profit from clear house rules established by the childminder and the children. They are beginning to learn about what is acceptable behaviour and respecting each other. The childminder's use of praise and encouragement and children being encouraged to help with appropriate tasks such as tidying away toys contributes effectively to their self-esteem and promotes a sense of belonging.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

A positive partnership between the childminder and parents contributes to children's well-being. Parents receive written and verbal information that ensures they are fully informed of their child's day and progress. Parents have access to an information file, written policies and procedures. They also receive copies of pertinent policies including behaviour management. The written documentation is supported by daily discussions with the parents. Children's individual needs are discussed with parents in detail.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's welfare is promoted as the childminder has a clear understanding of the action to be taken if a parent has a complaint. This is enhanced by a written complaints procedure. However, this is not supported by a prepared recording system in the event of a complaint from a parent or carer.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides. This is a strong provision and outcomes for children are good. The premises are well organised and space is used to maximise play opportunities. Children’s care and welfare is enhanced by the childminder's sound understanding of their needs, her commitment to further develop her own skills by continuing to access training and the ongoing evaluation of the provision. The childminder has a clear understanding of her role and responsibilities.

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Organisation

Children's safety and well-being benefit from the presentation of written policies, procedures and information for parents. All required documentation is in place. Documentation is maintained correctly and the childminder has good awareness of confidentiality. Information is regularly exchanged with parents about the setting and their child’s day and activities, contributing to continuity in the children’s care.

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Children's welfare is protected as the childminder has written consent for emergency treatment for each child which is accessible at all times.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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Complaints since the last inspection

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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The quality and standards of the care

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure the bolt on the toilet door does not prevent access in an emergency • develop a recording system in the event of a complaint from a parent or carer.

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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